NACDL’s unique State Criminal Justice Network (SCJN) provides a medium to exchange information, share resources, and develop strategies for promoting rational and humane criminal justice policies. In addition, it seeks to educate the general public about the many issues that influence, and policies that affect the criminal justice system. As a result, the Network does not require membership in the organization.

To join the Network, go to nacdl.org/JoinSCJN.

NACDL's State Criminal Justice Network Newsletter features a snapshot of NACDL's state criminal justice priorities, as well as recent internal and external reports, information on upcoming events, webinars, current state legislative reform efforts, legislative tracking, action alerts and more! The newsletter is disseminated monthly via email. 

NACDL letter of opposition to Virginia Governor Terence R. McAuliffe regarding HB 815, which would make the electric chair the default method of execution if lethal injection drugs are not available in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Recording of Unlocking the Jury Box: How Felony Disenfranchisement Contributes to America's Jury Diversity Problem, a webinar hosted by NACDL for Second Chance Month 2022. 

NACDL monitors legislation related to over 20 criminal justice issues in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. The information in this map is updated daily, providing a snapshot of bills impacting NACDL's criminal justice reform priorities.

NACDL works with state affiliate organizations and other partners to advance criminal justice reform legislation across the country. Click on highlighted states below to see NACDL's current work in states, victories from previous sessions, and past efforts on a range of issues. 

Exploring Moral Principles and Economic Innovations to Restore Rights and Opportunity

In August 2018, NACDL hosted its 17^th Annual State Criminal Justice Network Conference and 2^nd Annual Presidential Summit in Atlanta, Georgia. The Conference examined the destructive effect that a vast network of penalties, debarments, and disabilities following a criminal conviction has on the millions of people who have come in contact with the criminal justice system. [Released June 2019]

Conference information and resources relevant to the panels presented at the 21st Annual State Criminal Justice Network Conference, which was held August 11-12, 2022 at The Breakers, Palm Beach, Florida. 

Conference information and relevant materials to the panels presented at the 18th Annual State Criminal Justice Network Conference, held August 1-2, 2019, in Philadelphia, PA.

Conference information and relevant materials to the panels presented at the 17th Annual State Criminal Justice Network Conference and 2nd Annual Presidential Summit titled Shattering the Shackles of Collateral Consequences: Exploring Moral Principles and Economic Innovations to Restore Rights and Opportunity, held August 23-25, 2018, in Atlanta, GA.

The NACDL Champion of State Criminal Justice Reform Award recognizes an individual or group whose exceptional efforts have led toward progressive reform of a state criminal justice system.

Every year, NACDL brings together advocates from around the country for our annual State Criminal Justice Network Conference. This conference offers participants an opportunity to hear from experts on state criminal justice reform and the opportunity to network with like-minded advocates.

NACDL comments to the Virginia Supreme Court on proposed revisions to Virginia's discovery rules: Proposed Revisions to Rules 3A:11 and 3A:12 Received from the Virginia State Bar Criminal Discovery Reform Task Force.

Watch attorneys and clients paired through NACDL's Return to Freedom Project recount finding out that they had secured a second chance at freedom.

NACDL letter to Maryland Senate and House of Delegate members in support of SB 276/HB 295, legislation to repeal the death penalty.